Indicating and switching apparatus

ABSTRACT

An indicator and switching arrangement for programming events to be carried out by an automatic machine or the like. A plurality of coaxially aligned indicator drums having numerals positioned about the outer periphery of each drum are operatively connected to a similar number of coaxially aligned rotary selector knobs. The indicator drums are arranged to present a decimal count in a right reading order within a viewing window. In order to minimize operator confusion, each selector knob is arranged in the same sequential order as the indicator drum that it controls.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,856,997 Kilkes 1 Dec. 24, 1974 INDICATING AND SWITCHING 3,289,199 11/1966 Watkins 340/347 DA APPARATUS 3,745,270 7 1973 Granitz 200/5 A [75] Inventor: Robert J. Kilkes, Fairport, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Xerox Corporation, Stamford,

Conn.

[22] Filed: Dec. 26, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 318,347

[52] U.S. Cl. 200/5 R, 200/11 R, 200/14, 200/ 18 [51] Int. Cl. l-10lh 19/58 [58] Field of Search 200/5 A, 177, 17, 18, 14, 200/45, 153 S, 5 R, 11 R; 340/347 P; 235/92 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,938,987 5/1960 Brown 200/5 A 3,089,923 5/1963 Wright... 200/5 A 34 4 1|\\l\\1.- l!!\|1 53 1! fi/ fll l 'fi l t) l1 Primary Examiner-Thomas J. Sloyan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Thomas J. Wall; Paul Weinstein; James J. Ralabate [57] ABSTRACT An indicator and switching arrangement for program ming events to be carried out by an automatic machine or the like. A plurality of coaxially aligned indicator drums having numerals positioned about the outer periphery of each drum are operatively connected to a similar number of coaxially aligned rotary selector knobs. The indicator drums are arranged to present a decimal count in a right reading order within a viewing window. In order to minimize operator confusion, each selector knob is arranged in the same sequential order as the indicator drum that it controls.

9 Claims, 11 Drawing Figure ill I in 1 INDICATING AND SWITCHING APPARATUS This invention relates to an indicator and switching arrangement for programming events to be carried out by an automatic machine, such as a copying machine of the like.

More specifically, this invention relates to a drum type indicator and switching device for selecting and controlling the number of occurrences carried out by an automatic machine. In most drum type indicators, as exemplified by that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,740, a series of coaxially aligned indicator drums are arranged to present a selected count within a viewing station, each of the drum indicators representing a different decimal order. The drum at the far right, in a right reading orientation, presenting the units order, the next adjacent drum the tens order and so on. To change the count, the drum indicators are usually manually rotated about their axis to present a new series of digits at the viewing station. The mechanism for controlling the repositioning of the numerical information is generally complex and tends to confuse the machine operator. As a consequence, valuable machine time is lost while the operator is endeavoring to properly program the device to carry out the desired operation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve selector mechanisms for programming events in an automatic machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a drum type selector mechanism which is simple and efficient to operate.

It is a further object of this invention to eliminate time lost in programming an automatic machine, and in particular, an automatic copying machine.

These and other objects of the present invention are attained by means of a rotary operated selector apparatus having a plurality of indicator drums ranked in alignment for presenting a composite number within a viewing station with each drum being arranged to present one of a plurality of decimal orders within the viewing station, a plurality of rotary selector controls coaxially aligned with the indicator drums with each selector control being operatively connected to one of the indicator drums, each selector control and the order drum operatively connected thereto being arranged so that they each occupy the same sequential position in their respective alignments whereby actuation of one selector produces a repositioning of a correspondingly ranked order indicator within the viewing station. A rotary switch is also operatively related to each of the indicator drums and selector knob combinations which serve to generate a binary coded signal indicative of the numeral of that particular order selected.

For a better understanding of the invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is had to the following detailed description of the invention to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing which is a perspective view, with portions broken away and exploded, illustrating the selector indicator and switch mechanism of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing of the present invention, there is illustrated a pair of rotary drum type number wheels or indicators, 10, 11, having a series of numerals inscribed about a portion of the outer periphery thereof, the indicator being rotatably supported in tandem within a supporting frame 13. It is contemplated that the frame is to be mounted within the covers of an automatic machine having a viewing window 14 therein through which a preselected count can be viewed by the machine operator. A pair of rotary switches, generally indicated 30 and 31 are operatively connected to the drum indicator and, as will be explained in greater detail below, operate to send an electrical signal to the machine control logic that is indicative of the number presented at the viewing station.

For explanatory purposes, the indicator drum array is arranged to count in the decimal system, each drum having ten sequential integers equally spaced about a portion of its outer periphery. In this particular arrangement, each drum is capable of presenting a number within the reading station (window 14) which is representative of an order in the decimal system. For example, the lowest order (units) is represented by the numeral presented in the window by units drum 10 located at the far right hand side of the drum array or tier. Similarly, the next higher order (tens) is represented by the number presented in the window by the next adjacent tens drum 11. Although only two orders of magnitude are provided for in this particular embodiment, it should be clear from the instant disclosure that any amount of higher orders can similarly be provided for without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

As can be seen, in this arrangement, the digit which is in the far right corner of the window, or viewing station, by drum 10 indicates the number of units selected and is generally referred to as the digit of least significance. On the other hand, the other digit presented within the window by drum 11 indicates the number of tens selected and is referred to as the digit of greatest significance. A direct reading of the number of events, up to and including 99, that the machine is capable of being programmed to carry out, is thus presentable in the viewing station 14.

Coaxially aligned with the indicator drums are two rotary selector knobs 15 and 16. In most conventional selecting devices of this nature, wherein the drum indicators are actuated directly by a rotary means, the selector knob 16 would ordinarily control the positioning of the unit indicator drum 10 while selector knob 15 would control the ten indicator drum-l1. As can be seen, this particular configuration, because of the nonsequential alignment of the coacting parts, creates an operative relationship which is out of phase. The normal reaction of the operator therefore is to initially turn the wrong selector knob and, upon noting the error, correct the mistake by actuating the proper indicator. This, of course, consumes valuable machine time and results in a reduction of the productivity of the device. Furthermore, it is quite possible that the error will go unnoticed resulting in the programming and carrying out of an undesired number of events. The apparatus of the present invention is designed to specifically alleviate this problem.

From the drawings it can be seen that the units selector knob 15 is directly coupled to the units drum 10 via a shaft 18. The two connected elements are both affixed to the shaft, as for example by a pin or a key, so that the drum will turn in response to the rotation of the selector knob. Shaft 18 is rotatably supported at one end within a hollow cylinder 19 and the cylinder, in turn, is mounted for rotation within a mechanical rotational mechanism 20 carried in the right hand side wall 21 of the support frame 13. Although not clearly shown, the opposite end of shaft 18 is journaled for rotation in the far side wall 22 of the frame so that when the drum is turned by the selector knob, both the selector knob and the indicator drum rotate about the axial center line of the shaft 18.

A portion of the cylindrical member 19 extends outwardly from the side wall 21 of the frame and has secured thereto the tens selector knob 16. Affixed to the opposite end of the cylinder, within the frame enclosure, is a motion imparting connector element 25. The connector element consists of a hub 26, which is secured to the cylinder 19, and of a semi-circular shaped web 27 which spans across the unit drum and is affixed to tens drum 11. As can be seen, any rotational motion imparted to the selector knob is directly translated to the tens indicator drum via the cylinder 19 and the connector 25.

A detent indexing and switching mechanism is operatively associated with each of the indicator knobs and drum assemblies. These switching sub-assemblies, the tens detent sub-assembly 30 and the unit detent subassembly 31, are basically of the same construction and operate in substantially an identical manner. As a consequence, only one of the sub-assemblies, the units subassembly 31, which is shown exploded away from the main assembly in the drawing, will be herein explained in greater detail.

Primarily the detent and switching mechanism is composed of an indexing plate 33, a dual concentric rotary switch 34 and a detent and stop mechanism 35. Both the indexing plate 33 and the rotary switch 34 are rigidly supported in spaced relation to each other, in the side wall 22 of the support frame. Spacer screws 37 are provided which serve to support the two circular elements in coaxial alignment with the indicator drum array.

In assembly, the detent and stop mechanism 35 is affixed to the shaft 18 and is arranged to turn with the shaft in response to the repositioning of the units selector knob and indicated drum assembly. At least one ball-like detent 40 is secured within an aperture 41 so as to turn with the element 35 when the shaft 18 is rotated during a count selection operation. The movable element 35 and the stationary indexing plate 33 are mounted in close proximity to each other so that the detent 40, carried in the movable elements 35 is capable of sequentially seating itself within the holes 43 provided in the stationary indexing plate which are positioned uniformly about the face of the indexing plate at approximately 24 intervals. The indexing and stop mechanism 35 is made of relatively thin spring steel which provides sufficient flexibility to allow the detent ball to be moved from a seated position within one indexing hole to a new seated position within an adjacent hole.

A pair of raised stationary stops 47 are strategically positioned upon the far face of the indexing plate 33, as shown in the drawing, and are arranged to arrest the motion of a similar shaped moving stop 49 carried by the element 35. The two stationary stops are arranged to confine the degree of movement of the indexing and stop element 35 thus restricting the degree of rotational freedom allowed the indicator drum 10. When the movable stop is arrested by stationary stop 47, the numeral one (1) is presented by the units drum within the viewing window 15. Rotation of the units selector knob in a clockwise direction through approximately 240 of rotation brings the movable stop 49 into arresting contact against the second stationary stop (not shown). At this time, the numeral zero (0) will be presented by the units drum within the window. Ten equally spaced indexing holes (detent positions) are provided for between the two stop positions. Moving the detent from its home or one (1) position to its next detent position causes the next higher decimal digit two (2) to be presented in the window 14. This procedure is repeated unitl the end stop position zero (0) is reached thus sequentially indexing each numeral within the viewing station. Similarly, the tens drum is stepped by rotation of the knob 16 whereby the tens drum 11 is moved sequentially from a home position, wherein no numeral is presented in the window, to a fully extended position wherein the numeral nine (9) is displayed therein.

A rotary switch 34 is also associated with each of the indicator drum and selector assemblies which is capable of generating an electrical signal indicative of the numeral displayed in the viewing station. The rotary switch includes a fixed switch support 50 and a moving contact piece 51 which is arranged to turn with the drum actuator shaft. A series of stationary contacts 53 are positioned about the stationary support member 50. The stationary contacts are arranged to coact with movable contacts on contact 51 to generate a binary coded signal for each of the detent positions associated with both the units and tens indicators. The composite signal generated is indicative of the number of events selected, i.e., the number presented in the viewing window. This signal is presented to the machine logic which is programmed to identify the coded signal and condition the machine processes to carry out the selected number of occurrences or events.

While the invention has been described with reference to this structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details as set forth and this application is intended to cover any modifications of changes as may come within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A selector apparatus for programming an automatic device comprising;

a shaft mounted for rotation;

a first rotary selector mounted to said shaft;

a second rotary selector rotatably supported about said shaft, said first and second rotary selectors being axially aligned along said shaft in a given sequence;

a first number indicator drum spaced from said rotary selectors, and mounted to said shaft, said first drum being connected to said first selector;

a second number indicator drum spaced from said rotary selectors, and rotatably supported about said shaft;

motion imparting means connecting said second rotary selector to said second drum, said motion imparting means including a hollow member connected to said second selector and means spaning said first drum for connecting said hollow member to said second drum,

said first and second drums respectively being axially aligned along said shaft in said same given sequence as said rotary selectors, for presenting a pre-selected count at a viewing station;

switching means operatively assoicated with each of said drums for generating an electrical signal indicative of a number presented within the viewing station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switching means is arranged to send a binary coded signal to the automatic device indicative of the count selected in the viewing station.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said switching means comprises a rotary switching means coupled to the number wheel.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said rotary selectors and said drums are coaxially aligned.

5. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said motion imparting means comprises a hub secured to said hollow member and a web which spans across said first drum and is connected to said second drum.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein means are provided for restricting the degree of rotation of said drums.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein one of said drums comprises a units number wheel and the other of said drums comprises a tens number wheel, for presenting a right reading decimal number within the viewing station.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 having detent means for locating and holding each selected decimal number in a stationary condition within the viewing station.

9. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said selectors comprise knobs and said apparatus programs a number of events carried out by said automatic device. 

1. A selector apparatus for programming an automatic device comprising; a shaft mounted for rotation; a first rotary selector mounted to said shaft; a second rotary selector rotatably supported about said shaft, said first and second rotary selectors being axially aligned along said shaft in a given sequence; a first number indicator drum spaced from said rotary selectors, and mounted to said shaft, said first drum being connected to said first selector; a second number indicator drum spaced from said rotary selectors, and rotatably supported about said shaft; motion imparting means connecting said second rotary selector to said second drum, said motion imparting means including a hollow member connected to said second selector and means spaning said first drum for connecting said hollow member to said second drum, said first and second drums respectively being axially aligned along said shaft in said same given sequence as said rotary selectors, for presenting a pre-selected count at a viewing station; switching means operatively assoicated with each of said drums for generating an electrical signal indicative of a number presented within the viewing station.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switching means is arranged to send a binary coded signal to the automatic device indicative of the count selected in the viewing station.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said switching means comprises a rotary switching means coupled to the number wheel.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said rotary selectors and said drums are coaxially aligned.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said motion imparting means comprises a hub secured to said hollow member and a web which spans across said first drum and is connected to said second drum.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein means are provided for restricting the degree of rotation of said drums.
 7. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein one of said drums comprises a units number wheel and the other of said drums comprises a tens number wheel, for presenting a right reading decimal number within the viewing station.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 having detent means for locating and holding each selected decimal number in a stationary condition within the viewing station.
 9. An apparatus as iN claim 1 wherein said selectors comprise knobs and said apparatus programs a number of events carried out by said automatic device. 